HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-BPW-1999-04-21BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
April 21, 1999
NOTES
PRESENT: Commissioners Ehrhardt, Gutenberger, Korherr, Leonardo, Vargas, Mayor
Cohen, Alderperson Hershey, Superintendent Gray, and Assistant Superintendent
Ferrel.
Mayor Cohen chaired the meeting.
Additions: Pud's Run Update
Report on Garage Repairs
Staff Reports
There were no deletions from the agenda.
1. Pud's Run Update.
Sgt. Williams was present to update the board on negotiations with the Mayor to
finalize details on the use of Stewart Park. He explained that last year they did not feel
they closed the park, but restricted traffic. The public had access to the park from Pier
Road. He asked the board if the problems had stemmed from complaints? He added
that they received positive feed back from last year's event. He next questioned why
the Ithaca Festival is allowed to close the park for a full day? He noted that he
understood that the Festival pays for the park and wondered if it was a matter of money
or inconvenience? He explained to the board that during discussions with the Mayor, it
was suggested that part of the park remain open but he felt that cars would get stuck in
the park. Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the matter did not come about due to complaints
but rather the fact that Stewart Park is a public park. He explained that closing the park
on a Sunday morning is not acceptable for public use. He further noted that the Ithaca
Festival is a community event which draws between 10 and 15 thousand people each
year for three days. Sgt. Williams noted that this is a community event as well and is
recognized throughout the region. The consensus of the board was that the
organization should work more with the Mayor on reaching agreeable terms for the
event.
2. Elm Street Reconstruction.
Comm. Ehrhardt noted that the board was to consider three alternatives for the
proposed reconstruction of Elm Street. Each board member told what their choice
alternative was. The board's consensus was that the original option number 4, which
proposed two 11 foot lanes with a six foot reinforced shoulder should be adopted. The
following resolution was presented and voted on.
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
April 21, 1999
Moved by: Commissioner Gutenberger, seconded by: Commissioner Vargas
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works adopts alternate number 4 which would
provide two 11 foot lanes with a six foot reinforced shoulder in the 400 block of Elm
Street.
A vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 4
Nays - 2
3. Temporary Docking Facilities in Cass Park
Tom Trenchard of Cayuga Boat and Cottage Marina Contracting was present to
address the board concerning his proposal to implement a temporary docking facility.
He told the board that he would like to have docks that would accommodate small
boats, that would be carried to the area. He explained that he has approached the
Army Corp of Engineers and DEC for approval. Discussion followed and it was agreed
that letters of approval from DEC and the Army Corp of Engineers would be required
along with the conditions approved by the Parks Commission. A resolution will be
presented at the next regular board meeting on May 12, 1999.
4. Bike Plan.
Comm. Ehrhardt explained that Common Council has adopted a bike plan and has
charged the BPW to establish and implement bike routes. He noted that previous hand
outs had been distributed indicating north /south and east/west routes. Comm. Korherr
noted that he has some major concerns about the bike route being on North Cayuga
Street near the high school. He explained that students who drive aren't always
cautious when they leave the parking lots. He suggested that the route be changed to
go down Falls Street and over to Lake Street for access to Stewart Park. Comm.
Leonardo told the board that he has concerns about removal of parking, only if the
residents show a concern. Discussion followed concerning the possibility of removal of
parking from one side of the street where the bike lane be installed and that 24 hour
parking would be allowed on the opposite side of the street. It was agreed to vote on a
resolution adopting the proposed routes and to produce the information to residents for
their input at a future public hearing.
5. Discussion of Capital Projects for 2000
Supt. Gray noted that he had intended to produce a list of proposed projects, but was
unable to. He explained that the board would probably be familiar with the list since it
consists of the five year plan developed last year. This item will continue at a future
meeting.
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Board of Public Works
Committee of the Whole
April 21, 1999
6. TCAT - Personnel Items.
Supt. Gray told the board that the creation of Operations Manger and Customer Service
Representative is underway. He noted that there are sufficient funds for both positions.
7. Report on Garage Repairs.
Supt. Gray noted that he received a proposal for the first phase of repairs to the
Seneca Street parking garage. He explained that he did not send out request for
proposals since he felt confident that the proposal was reasonable. In addition the firm
is very familiar with the structure which will save research time. He indicated that he
expects to put the job out for bid soon and that work will begin by early summer.
8. Staff Reports.
Asst. Supt. Ferrel reported on the following:
Spring clean up is into the second week
Commons Fountain is ready to be dismantled
Concrete work for the Roller Sports Park has been completed
He has participated in meetings with Tompkins County and other townships on
shared equipment programs
9. Miscellaneous Items.
Comm. Gutenberger questioned if there is an appeal process to the Residential
Parking System? She explained that a resident has contacted her concerning a newly
implemented area. The resident, who owns a majority of the properties on the street
was not notified of the new regulation and has concerns about tenant parking.
Mayor Cohen noted that discussions have occurred concerning College Avenue during
Senior Week. He noted that things will be handled as it was last year, like closing the
street from 1:30 a.m. until 3:30 a.m.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
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Notes taken by:
Donna L. Payne
Administrative Secretary
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